Lao immigration post at Houixai (Huay Xai, Houei Xai) seen from Thailand across the Mekong river. Foreign tourists get Lao visa on
arrival by filling up forms, and providing a photo plus a fee. Right: Picture of immigration and
ferry boat station on Thai side in Chiang Khong town.

Three wheeler tuk tuk's, temples or wats, shops selling food and consumers' things, travel agents, small guesthouses,
boat men, traders, and tourists fill the Lao border town of Houixai. This is the starting point for the tourists who come
from northern Thailand to explore northern Laos.
Right: The small boat pier in Houixai. These boats are waiting for passengers to travel to Luang Prabang via Pakbeng
on the Mekong river. By road or by river people can go to Luang Namtha, Udomxai and Phongsali provinces.

A Chinese cargo boat. A section of the Mekong river with rock formation.